Consumer behaviour has changed over the last few years. These days many customers consider a product or brand’s sustainability before making a purchase. For some, it’s a straightforward switch of everyday things, for example, buying a bamboo toothbrush instead of a plastic one or buying reusable beeswax wraps instead of cling film. For others, it’s a bigger decision such as buying an electric car, choosing not to holiday abroad or changing to a plant-based diet.
Sustainability is defined as a concept which focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It’s composed of three pillars: economic, environmental, and social and is often coined by the by the phrase reduce, reuse, recycle.
STEPPER EYEWEAR is on an environmental journey. Energy use, water consumption, green production technologies and emissions control are all part of STEPPER’s vision towards a greener future.
Reduce
STEPPER uses clean, renewable energy in manufacture. Spectacle frames are pressed, plated, assembled, tested, moulded, welded and quality-controlled within one location. This single-site manufacturing reduces transportation between processes. Bicycles, electric cars and public transport are encouraged at the factory.
STEPPER conserves water by reducing usage and promoting wastewater recycling. An environmental team at the factory is responsible for monitoring water usage and implementing conservation measures. Wastewater is treated and reused in the cleaning process. Packaging washing water is reused in the grinding process. All of these minimises freshwater consumption. STEPPER set a target to reduce total water consumption by 1% per year. Thanks to the efforts of employees, the total water consumption declined by 2.5% in 2019.
Re-use
Injection moulding processes ensure plastic material waste is minimised. Waste materials from production are recycled and reused.
Recycle
STEPPER has adopted green product technologies. Innovative recyclable paper packaging protects the eyewear during transportation. The packaging is created from a single piece, therefore there is no need for additional fixing materials. Since 2020, packing boxes comprise 80% renewable material and they are FSC certified. They’re 10% lighter and save more than 14% packing space.
Three looks with TX5 Eyewear: STEPPER’S wonder plastic
And talking about weight, STEPPER’s plastic eyewear is made from TX5, a nylon-derived polyamide which is 25% lighter than conventional plastic. It’s tougher, so allows for thinner frames. It’s harder so has greater scratch-resistance, (and therefore greater longevity). This hero material is also hypo-allergenic. TX5 makes for lightweight, durable, supremely comfortable eyewear. Here I’m wearing three STEPPER styles made from this wonder-product.
Look 1: SI 30156 F960.
I love the subtle flashes of green in this timeless shape.
Look 2: SI 30135 F230 with zebra-print organza midi dress.
The seamless transition from red to black makes for a strong statement. This is an excellent desk-to-dinner option.
Look 3: SI 30137 F230 with blush pink broidery maxi dress.
This feminine translucent pink frame has got the most beautiful detailing at the temple.
All three of these pieces of TX5 eyewear are timeless in design. They will transcend the years as well as the seasons and because they are lightweight, comfortable and durable, they are a smart investment. And this is made sweeter knowing that STEPPER EYEWEAR is taking such strong steps towards sustainability.
Notes
A version of this article first appeared on the STEPPER blog as part of my ongoing paid partnership.
Look 1: Green crane-print kimono dress: Yumi clothing, (gift). Click here to see the full outfit.
Look 2: Blush pink broderie organza maxi dress: Coast, (gift). I wore this gorgeous dress what I wore for my birthday last year. It’s another dress which will be coming on honeymoon with us! Click here to see the full outfit.
Look 3: Zebra-print organza dress: Coast, (gift). Click here to see the full outfit.
